The NORMS groups develops high-resolution models, derived from suitable outcrop analogues, and uses them as a 'laboratory' to simulate and understand single and multiphase flow and transport in heterogeneous aquifers and reservoirs and hence solve problems of interest to both reservoir geoscientists and engineers.
Outcrop analogues have long been used by geoscientists to improve their understanding of the subsurface, but we also recognise the value of outcrop-derived models to capture key aspects of fluid flow which are lost in typical subsurface models. We have developed a unique resource of skills and techniques which allows us to build high resolution 3-D models from suitable outcrop data, at length-scales ranging from a few tens of centimetres to several kilometres, and simulate multiphase flow directly on these models.
The detailed spatial relationships captured in these outcrop-based models also allow us to re-evaluate our understanding of the geological processes that control reservoir architecture, and hence address fundamental scientific issues in sedimentology and stratigraphy. We use our bespoke software tools (IC-SURF, IC-FERST and RRM) to construct the models..
Far left: Collecting field data in Trinidad
Left: Matt Jackson and Gary Hampson in the Western Desert, Egypt.
Selected publications
Jacquemyn C, Jackson MD, Hampson GJ, et al., 2018, Geometry, spatial arrangement and origin of carbonate grain-dominated, scour-fill and event-bed deposits: Late Jurassic Jubaila Formation and Arab-D Member, Saudi Arabia, SEDIMENTOLOGY, Vol: 65, Pages: 1043-1066, ISSN: 0037-0746
Onyenanu GI, Jacquemyn CEMM, Graham GH, et al., 2018, Geometry, distribution and fill of erosional scours in a heterolithic, distal lower shoreface sandstone reservoir analogue: Grassy Member, Blackhawk Formation, Book Cliffs, Utah, USA, SEDIMENTOLOGY, Vol: 65, Pages: 1731-1760, ISSN: 0037-0746
Massart BYG, Jackson MD, Hampson GL, et al., 2016, Effective flow properties of heterolithic, cross-bedded tidal sandstones: Part I. Surface-based modeling, AAPG BULLETIN, Vol: 100, Pages: 697-721, ISSN: 0149-1423
Massart BYG, Jackson MD, Hampson GJ, et al., 2016, Effective flow properties of heterolithic, cross-bedded tidal sandstones: Part 2. Flow simulation, AAPG BULLETIN, Vol: 100, Pages: 723-742, ISSN: 0149-1423
Graham GH, Jackson MD, Hampson GJ, 2015, Three-dimensional modeling of clinoforms in shallow-marine reservoirs: Part 1. Concepts and application, AAPG BULLETIN, Vol: 99, Pages: 1013-1047, ISSN: 0149-1423
Graham GH, Jackson MD, Hampson GJ, 2015, Three-dimensional modeling of clinoforms in shallow-marine reservoirs: Part 2. Impact on fluid flow and hydrocarbon recovery in fluvial-dominated deltaic reservoirs, AAPG BULLETIN, Vol: 99, Pages: 1049-1080, ISSN: 0149-1423
Deveugle PEK, Jackson MD, Hampson GJ, et al., 2014, A comparative study of reservoir modeling techniques and their impact on predicted performance of fluvial-dominated deltaic reservoirs, AAPG BULLETIN, Vol: 98, Pages: 729-763, ISSN: 0149-1423
Fitch PJR, Jackson MD, Hampson GJ, et al., 2014, Interaction of stratigraphic and sedimentological heterogeneities with flow in carbonate ramp reservoirs: impact of fluid properties and production strategy, PETROLEUM GEOSCIENCE, Vol: 20, Pages: 7-26, ISSN: 1354-0793
Legler B, Johnson HD, Hampson GJ, et al., 2013, Facies model of a fine-grained, tide-dominated delta: Lower Dir Abu Lifa Member (Eocene), Western Desert, Egypt, SEDIMENTOLOGY, Vol: 60, Pages: 1313-1356, ISSN: 0037-0746
Deveugle PEK, Jackson MD, Hampson GJ, et al., 2011, Characterization of stratigraphic architecture and its impact on fluid flow in a fluvial-dominated deltaic reservoir analog: Upper Cretaceous Ferron Sandstone Member, Utah, AAPG BULLETIN, Vol: 95, Pages: 693-727, ISSN: 0149-1423